Nearly everything around us is a reinvention of, or recreation of something that already exists. The old saying “there’s nothing new under the sun” still applies today.
According to the March/April 2020 edition of Inc. Magazine, only 14% of data in 2019 was “new to the world, everything else was copies.” This includes:
- Movies
- Music
- Medicine
- Technology
- Clothing Styles
- Cars
- Internet Articles
- And More…
History leaves clues for us. The virus causing our current pandemic has come before in similar fashion, but with different factors and causes. The current, multi-billion dollar Star Wars franchise was launched with stories from the older movies, and will one day be remade or continue to have spin-off movies. Over the past few weeks I’ve been watching ESPN’s fascinating documentary “The Last Dance,” which is a deeper look into the 1997 Chicago Bulls NBA team and their surrounding defeats, and successes they battled through to win so many titles. For the most part, these are not new basketball diaries or stories being told, just composed and packaged a different way.
Prime Delivery is not a new idea either. In the mid 1900’s, many American’s would order groceries over the phone, and then pull up their station wagons to the grocery store to have goods hand delivered into their trunk. The difference back then was phone rather than online app ordering. Grocers later figured out that if shoppers physically came into the store, they would buy more food and checkout isle items to increase sales. Now many grocers are offering delivery, in store, or online pickup.
New versions of a tried and true (but old) concept.
HISTORY LEAVES CLUES
Last week WSJ.com reported: “Investors will parse earnings reports this week from companies including Walt Disney, General Motors and Hilton Worldwide Holdings and look to the April jobs report for clues about the outlook for the rest of the year.
The hazy view into the prospects for U.S. businesses presents a challenge for money managers who have already endured a wild ride this year. The S&P 500 plunged 34% between Feb. 19 and March 23 but has since rebounded sharply, cutting its losses for the year to 12%.”
As you rebound in your practice after COVID-19, remember that life will never be the same afterward in some ways, but for the most part many things will remain essentially the same, but may come in new packaging.
The big forward thinking question for you to ask yourself is: what can you do differently, revive, or change up to make your office more appealing and more patient oriented? This is a time where people are looking for new ways to experience what you have to offer. How will you do that?
Concierge service?
Teledentistry?
Fewer visits?
Change of team members?
The quote, “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” is attributed to the Spanish philosopher George Santayana. Winston Churchill stated that “those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.” Similar philosophies from knowledgeable men. If we learn from the past to look to the future, our practices will thrive. Sadly, many of our colleagues will struggle, and some will not return to the business they once knew. Take a system or tool that you already have, and do it better and differently this week, starting today, to make your practice thrive!
If you would like to receive more information like this or provide your feedback, simply send us an email at twilliams@yourpracticegrowth.com and put “Friday Finish” in the subject line, or you can get free Practice Growth tips on my weekly blog here.